Federal authorities have issued a bulletin to local law enforcement agencies nationwide warning of heightened concern over the potential of terror attacks targeting July 4th celebrations.
While the agencies said no specific or credible threat had yet been identified, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alerted local colleagues to the ongoing threats posed by the Islamic State and other homegrown extremists, USA Today reports.
The warning comes as federal investigators have worked to thwart a number of Islamic State-inspired plots.
In June, authorities fatally shot Usaamah Rahim, who allegedly planned to attack police officers in Boston with military-style knives. Additionally, federal investigators arrested 21-year-old Fareed Mumuni, who was charged with attempted murder after he emerged as a suspect in alleged plots to use pressure-cooker explosives and knives to attack police in New York. Authorities are also claiming that a college student from Queens was studying how to make a pressure cooker bomb to possibly attack the George Washington Bridge. The 21-year-old student is in police custody.
Recent terror attacks in in Tunisia, Kuwait and France also have raised concern among law enforcement over the current security environment in the U.S. heading into the July Fourth holiday weekend, ABC News reports.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Kuwait as well as an attack in Tunisia that killed 38 people at a luxury beach resort. Additionally, ISIS has been engaged in a major PR campaign using social media to attract new recruits and urge followers to commit atrocities.
In a statement following the attacks overseas, DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said local law enforcement was being encouraged to be “vigilant and prepared” in preparation for July 4th celebrations.
“We will also adjust security measures, seen and unseen, as necessary to protect the American people,” Johnson said. “We continue to encourage all Americans to attend public events and celebrate this country during this summer season, but always remain vigilant.”
